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Old Aug 14, 2007 | 02:59 PM
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Axle Question

I have a 76 F-100 "Ranger" I would like to stick a 3:50 Posi unit in. The big question is if it has 28 spline or 31 spline axles. Short of pulling an axle, is there any way to externally determine which axle is in the truck?
 
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Old Aug 14, 2007 | 05:46 PM
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Post the axle ID Tag info.
 
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Old Aug 14, 2007 | 05:56 PM
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It is long gone.
 
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Old Aug 14, 2007 | 07:26 PM
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From: southeren Oh
Ther is a way but it is not foolproof. Look at the center of the axle shaft right in the middle of the wheel. Do you see a flat surface with three holes? Or do you see a large crater with two nubs at the edge? Generaly three holes is 31 spline. Crater is 28 spline.
Three hole axles have been known to cut down to 28spline, Rare but it can happen.
 
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Old Aug 14, 2007 | 07:32 PM
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A posi unit won't fit in a Ford differential.

You would need a Ford Limited Slip or Traction-Lock diff.

You didn't say what ratio diff is in it now. What is the axle code on the door plate

I'll check my book for you to see what they list.
I suspect it to be a 31 spline.
 

Last edited by Mil1ion; Aug 14, 2007 at 07:38 PM.
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Old Aug 14, 2007 | 08:14 PM
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Thanks for the info Broncoman. I will take a look at it and let you know. According to the doorplate, it is supposed to be a 3.00, but I don't think it is right. This truck came from CA, and according to the various stickers was used by a rodeo cowboy. Although the body was solid, the mechanicals had been gone through several times. Sorry about the Posi reference. I use the term generically.
 
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Old Aug 14, 2007 | 09:37 PM
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Axle "code" on the door plate please....
 
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Old Aug 16, 2007 | 04:49 PM
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OK guys, had a chance to look at it today. The axles have 3 holes. The axle code is 12. The full code is 117A F100 BA3 F12J.
 
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Old Aug 16, 2007 | 08:06 PM
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Code 12 = 3.00:1 Open diff

and J = Power steering
 
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Old Aug 16, 2007 | 08:15 PM
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Mil1ion would you agree with broncoman on the 31 spline?
 
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Old Aug 16, 2007 | 08:33 PM
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I have to check my book.

That's one reason the axle code tags on 9" diff's are so important.


EDIT:
After further review, I would agree with a 31 spline.

There is only slight mention of the 2.9M axle and it pertains to bearings.
 

Last edited by Mil1ion; Aug 16, 2007 at 08:48 PM.
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Old Aug 16, 2007 | 08:37 PM
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yep, Nothing there, thats why I think its been changed.
 
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Old Aug 16, 2007 | 08:41 PM
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From: southeren Oh
Originally Posted by hp246
Mil1ion would you agree with broncoman on the 31 spline?
Remember the three holes is only right 99% of the time.
 
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Old Aug 16, 2007 | 08:50 PM
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Note: my above post edited
 
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Old Aug 16, 2007 | 09:49 PM
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Thanks guys
 
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